Why 100G PAM4 Single-Lambda Optical Transceiver Module Is Preferred in 100G-400G Upgrade
As Internet traffic is growing, the need for cost-effective and simple pluggable optical modules will become the necessity of transceiver development, especially for high-density and high-speed applications like 200 and 400G. 100G single lambda QSFP28 transceiver can make the 100 to 400G transition easier by reducing the structural complexity of 400G modules. At the same time, it will also bring great savings by reducing the fiber count.
What Is 100G PAM4 Single Lambda Transceiver?
The 100G PAM4 single-lambda optical specifications were first standardized by the 100G Lambda MSA (multisource agreement). It is quickly gained broad industry support due to its vision to create cost-effective solutions for high-density multi-terabit switching, routing, and transport networks. The goal was to define optical specifications that allow for future 100G and 400G pluggable optics that can be scaled to high-volume manufacturing, and therefore achieve low cost.
The basis of the single-lambda approach is the use of PAM4 (four-level pulse amplitude modulation). Prior to this, nearly all 100G optical specifications incorporated NRZ (non-return to zero), which is a two-level binary modulation format. PAM4, however, contains twice the amount of data without requiring a significant increase in the speed of the optical components. Therefore, the same fundamental optical technology that can carry only 50G with NRZ can be used for 100G PAM4.
NADDOD 100G PAM4 Single Lambda Transceiver Optics
NADDOD 100G PAM4 single lambda QSFP28 optics include 100GBASE-DR, 100GBASE-FR, and 100GBASE-LR transceiver. The 100G DR QSFP28 transceiver complies with the IEEE standard 100GBASE-DR, which has a reach of 500m and is ideal for applications inside data centers such as leaf-spine connectivity, where the fiber length seldom exceeds 100m. The 100G FR QSFP28 transceiver complies with the 100G Lambda MSA’s 100G-FR specification, which has a reach of 2km over duplex SMF and uses duplex LC connectors. The 100G LR expands the reach to 10km, enabling connections between buildings, ideal for links in core and aggregation networks.
Specification | QSFP-100G-DR | QSFP-100G-FR | QSFP-100G-LR |
---|---|---|---|
Wavelength | 1310nm | 1310nm | 1310nm |
Distance | 500m | 2km | 10km |
Connector | Duplex LC | Duplex LC | Duplex LC |
Cable Type | OS2 SMF | OS2 SMF | OS2 SMF |
Modulation | PAM4 | PAM4 | PAM4 |
Receiver Sensitivity | <-5.9dBm | <-6.4dBm | <-7.7dBm |
Power Consumption | ≤4.5W | ≤4.5W | ≤4.5W |
The NADDOD Advantage
NADDOD optics can be used in any switch and router with standardized pluggable ports. With 100G PAM4 transceivers for top quality and reliability, we go beyond industry standards to solve real-world problems for network operators. Moreover, with 24/7/365 Expert Support, we can provide solution design, sample requests, demo tests and technical document services. Visit www.naddod.com for more information.


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